The Alternative Press

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – The Board of Education again got good news regarding student test scores at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Students in grades 6-8 did better than those in similar socio-economic groupings (District Factor Groups DFG), and the state, in the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (ASK) tests given in April and May of 2012.

Eleventh graders outperformed the DFG and state in math and the state in language arts literacy in math on the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). And Governor Livingston students outperformed the state and nation on scores for the SATs and Advanced Placement tests.

In grade six, 86.3 percent of students, including those in special education, were proficient or advanced proficient in language arts literacy in the ASK tests as compared to 82.7 percent in the DFG and 64.5 percent in the state. In grade seven the scores were 88.4 percent for Berkeley Heights, 80.4 percent for the DFG and 61 percent for the state. In grade eight the scores were 98.9 percent, 94 percent and 82.2 percent, respectively.

In the HSPA, eleventh graders scored 95.5 percent proficient or advanced proficient in language arts, compared to 97.4 percent in the DFG and 91.5 percent in the state.

In the math ASK, sixth graders scored 94.1 percent proficient or advanced proficient, compared to the DFG score of 90.9 percent and the state score of 78.8 percent. Seventh graders tested at 86.1 percent at Columbia Middle School, compared to 80.8 percent and 63.2 percent. Eighth graders were at 91.6 percent as compared to 87.1 percent and 71.6 percent, respectively.

In the math HSPA, eleventh graders scored 91.1 percent as proficient or advanced proficient. The DFG received the same score and the overall state score was 79.3 percent.

Eighth graders were tested in science. CMS students received 98.4 percent proficient or advanced proficient as compared to 94.4 percent for the DFG and 81.9 percent for the state.

Governor Livingston Principal Scott McKinney talked about GL student scores in the SATs and Advanced Placement tests. “SAT scores increased significantly over the prior year,” he said. In 2011 the combined score for GL students averaged 1675, up from 1609 in 2010. In 2011 the average state score was 1511, and the national average was 1498.

In advanced placement tests 89.6 percent of the GL students taking them scored a passing grade of three or better compared to 75.1 for the state and 61.5 nationally. At GL 33 percent of students taking an AP test scored a five, the highest grade achievable. The pass rate for individual AP tests follows: 84 percent for AP Science over three years, 87 percent for AP Math, 96 percent for AP English and 97 percent for Social Studies.

Also, 22 students were recognized this week as National Merit Scholars.

“I’m exceptionally proud of our students and what they accomplished and the teachers who helped them to get there,” said McKinney.

Board member Dr. Gerard Crisonino said, “This really shows what a wonderful school district we have and what a terrific job we’re doing.” His sentiments were echoed by Board President John Sincaglia.

In other business:

• Sincaglia announced contributions from the various PTOs totaled $236,000 last school year.

• Ann Clifton will be the district’s new Health, Physical Education and Athletic Director beginning in January.

• The board approved the purchase of a 54-passenger Blue Bird school bus from Hoover Truck Centers for $85,962. This bus will replace one that is 12 years old.

• A decision to award a bid for a $126,000 generator for Governor Livingston was tabled until the board can find out the type of fuel the generator will use. This bid, from TSUJ Corporation, was the lowest of 10 bids received.

• From January to June of 2012 there were 27 incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying in Berkeley Heights schools.